Welcome to San Mateo
An eclectic urban city on the shores of the San Francisco Bay
Located just 20 miles south of San Francisco is the popular city of San Mateo. This town is full of charm with a history that dates back from the first Spanish explorers in the late 1700s to its incorporation in 1894. An abundance of parks and recreational areas, gorgeous waterfront trails, and a hip downtown full of shopping and dining offer plenty of enjoyment for residents.
Neighborhoods offer residents various options ranging from quaint to luxurious and everything in between. You'll find tree-lined streets with large lots and well-maintained yards filled with single-family homes that range from ranches to custom new builds. Large and luxurious homes also fill the hillsides offering breathtaking views of the town and San Francisco Bay. This family-friendly area also provides a variety of community events, exceptional education, and a quiet yet bustling downtown, making it a great place to call home.
What to Love
- San Mateo County Fair
- Breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay
- Quiet neighborhoods, large lots, and family-friendly events
- Hillsdale Shopping Center
Local Lifestyle
Residents enjoy San Mateo for its quiet neighborhoods, scenic vistas, close-knit community feeling, and various housing options to suit everyone's desires. An abundance of parks and recreational options, Farmers’ Markets, seasonal events, shopping, and dining round out a diverse entertainment list that ensures you'll always have something to do. San Mateo Central Park, purchased in 1922 and originally the site of the Kohl Mansion, is the heart of the town and offers several community events throughout the year.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Hillsdale Shopping Center is a fun hub of entertainment for residents that offers an open-air shopping and dining experience. With more than 120 luxury shopping options from stores like Michael Kors and West Elm, a range of casual and fine dining options, plus a slew of entertainment, you'll find everything you need right here. Meander around and enjoy the fresh air, stop at the spa for an indulging afternoon, or head to Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas and take in a movie.
Things to Do
San Mateo Central Park is a resident favorite not just for the seasonal events it puts on but for the beautiful Japanese Garden, designed by landscape architect Nagao Sakurai. This is a coveted spot to enjoy a lovely afternoon stroll with a tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove. Be sure to stop in during the late winter or early spring to see the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The park also offers a rose garden, picnic areas, and a miniature train.
Seal Point Park, part of the Shoreline Parks system, is a gorgeous area of parks situated along the San Francisco Bay that offers several pathways for biking, hiking, and bird watching, in addition to a three-acre dog park for your pets to enjoy.
The most coveted event in the area is the San Mateo County Fair which offers an assortment of entertainment from exhibits, a carnival section, games, performances, a mainstage concert series, and plenty of fair food.
Schools
